The Nationals don't often find themselves in this situation: Winners of five straight, with a chance to sweep a front-line opponent. Yet here they stand entering tonight's game against the Cardinals.

Can the resurgent lineup keep it up after scoring 18 combined runs the last two nights? Jim Riggleman isn't tinkering with much these days; he's using the same starting nine as last night except for Wilson Ramos behind the plate and John Lannan on the mound.

Speaking of Lannan, he's been on the best roll of his career, having allowed only two total earned runs over his last four starts. He'll be seeking to get his record (4-5) back to .500 with a win tonight.

Here's hoping Holliday's a little rusty and doesn't immediately return to form. Another bit of news in the Cards line-up – Theriot is sitting, Greene is in at SS, presumably bc of Theriot's atrocious defense of late. Greene is weaker offensively, tho, so I hope that helps Lannan.

Game 69 and Laynce Nix is the clean-up hitter for the Nats. I would have thought that happening about as probable as Anthony Weiner exposing himself on his cell phone or the Washington Wizards winning half their games.

Tuesday's attendance was 26,000+ but was a $2.00 ticket day.Wednesday's attendance was 27,000+Was that due to buzz about the first game?RZ's returnbetter weather?The fact that the Cards have a decent following?Just wondering what others think…(I'm going with the Card following…)

TimDz, I think you are right. There were quite few Cards supporters where I was sitting in Section 117. Of course, that's near the visitor dugout, but it is also an area dominated by ticket plan holders. I also saw a lot of Cardinal fans in the vending areas. It wasn't like a Mets or Phillies game, but it was far more than a sprinkling.

Tim, I actually pick games based on the opponent and the Cardinals and Cubs and inter-league are some of my favorites to go and watch.The Cubs fans can be a little more boisterous but like mentioned, the Cardinals fans are nice to have as our guests in the stadium.

http://web.worldbaseballclassic.com/stats/index.jsp?team=cubI found this interesting about Yunesky Maya in the 2009 World Baseball Classic (WBC) when he pitched for Cuba. He only started one game and was a relief pitcher in 2 games.He is another player in the Nats system that will most likely end up being a spot starter or may be worth looking at him as a reliever.

Technically speaking we should win tonight's matchup because Lannan has good numbers against Cards and Lohse has struggled recently. We are on a hot streak and Cards are in a slump. Let us see where we end up.

Anonymous8 said… Time to exploit Lance Berkman in rightfield. The guy makes Adam Dunn in the outfield look good. June 16, 2011 4:05 PM ____________________________Yep, glad they hit one to Berkman. He got it so shallow in RF and skipped the throw to the catcher!

I have been trying to understand why Lannan has been getting such good rsults this year, when at first glance he doesn't look like he is pitching all that differently. Luck is an obvious guess, and maybe that is part of it.But he also seems to be a tick faster, touching 90-91 more often than I recall. But the biggest thing that I see is this big, two plane slurvy pitch. It is slow and goes through several eye levels, making it appear very different from his other pitches. Very tough for lefties. I don't recall him having that pitch before. Does anyone else?That could elevate him as a pitcher.

Wally, not to take anything against Lannan, he has been pitching better, keeping the ball down, etc. but I think first LaRoche, and then Morse, have made The whole infield look better, which has helped make the entire pitching staff look better.

Joe,While I do not discount the contributions of LaRoche and Morse in our infield defense, lets also acknowledge Desmond's improvements (significant in my opinion)and especially what Espinosa brings to the table. A future GG if you ask me.

Alas, JaneB, Anon isn't kidding at all. I liked the way he was going for a 2-fer with that first complaint, tho–Desi has to go, and Riggs is at fault for not realizing it. A real economy in the whining there….

Joe Seamhead, the increased range and defense has definitely helped all the pitchers especially in pitch count and run count. Lannan was victimized often by errors and mis-plays that cost him in extra pitches and runs given up.

Not a great time for an error. Some of these guys who had received these All Star accolades really didn't look All Star in the last inning and a 1/2 particularly Clippard, Storen, and now Espinosa….Now time for an exciting Walk Off Win!!!!

Coupla thoughts about Morse and his hitting streak:He's benefiting from a very high BABIP (.359 this season), but he's also having better at bats. He's striking out less. His 2d homer last night came in an 8-pitch at bat in which he was down 0-2. He had gone something like 15 PAs without a K until tonight, when he was called out on a third strike that pitchFx says was a ball. I don't think he can stay that lucky on his BABIP, but hopefully he can maintain a good approach at the plate.And oh yeah – it's time to pick Drew up, hitters!

Free baseball gives me a chance to get in something I've been meaning to note. I'm really impressed that Albert Pujols would agree to play third. He stays at third and he probably goes to the all star game on habit alone, and he's almost certainly losing money on that point.

Storen's first pitch to Molina, called a ball, was much closer to being a strike than that third strike to Berkman. That call rattled Storen, and I think led to him grooving that HR pitch. This ump's strike zone has been floating somewhat.

If he's not in the all-star game — at least he's _our_ all star! Espy!!!!And he'll attract notice around the league soonNot bad for a rookie. 41 RBI's for a guy who doesn't bat in the middle of the order.Yeah, baby!! Six in a row baby!

I think it's great how the Nats finally took the advice of all the negativos around here and got rid of Riggleman. Obviously, the man knows nothing about the game, what with his weird lineups and such. The new manager is so much better. What a relief!!

I don't think he can stay that lucky on his BABIP, but hopefully he can maintain a good approach at the plate.Morse has been pretty consistent since 2009. From AAA to the majors. You know he is going to hit around .300. OBP wise is a question mark due to the dearth of walks. What is different is that the home run output has increased. Doubles have decreased. Although the last two games he has been getting some good line drives off the wall instead of pop ups. He's still a work in progress.But Espinosa, if he conquers the platoon bat nothing is stopping him from becoming a super star.

What's Danny's slugging average now?And let's remember to give our props to Lannan — yet another quality start — seven innings, two runs. That's five starts in a row where he's given up two runs or less.

Nats Outsider said… I think it's great how the Nats finally took the advice of all the negativos around here and got rid of Riggleman. Obviously, the man knows nothing about the game, what with his weird lineups and such. The new manager is so much better. What a relief!!Yeah — after all, Rizzo's hasn't improved the team at all in two years. And they finally dumped Lannan because he's a "pitching to contact" guy that would never amount to anything. And etc etc etc

And, hey, attendance just under 20K — not bad for a night that had threats of thunderstorms, etc.Someone up above was asking why — some of the reason is that the Nats are playing well, and that makes going to the park a whole lot more fun.

Joe Seamhead said… Wow! Danny sure can't hit left handed, eh? I'd say that he more then made up for the earlier error. Oh, how sweet it is to be out of the cellar! June 16, 2011 10:15 PM _____________________________Here is the latest adjustments that Danny has made from the left side. He had shortened his swing in mid-May and then he seemed to go back to the long swing. He has worked this last homestand on shortening the swing again but he also isn't taking that long stride where he and Eckstein thought it was too much going on in his set-up. Tonight you also saw him take an outside pitch to left field which really shows he is going with the pitch.Nice to see everything coming together for him.For as much crap as Eckstein takes, 3 guys just speak his praise in Ryan Zimmerman, Michael Morse and Danny Espinosa. I know the offense has suffered but you need good hitters to get good hits.

In the spirit of Wonk and Outsider, from the previous thread, this morning: Unkyd said…Oh…and that new hitting coach is working out well, too!!! Clearly nothing was gonna change, with that clown, Eckstein, running things… What's that? Eck is still here?! Well, he must have switched brands of chew, or something… maybe a shot of Genius Juice, in his coffee?June 16, 2011 10:16 AM hehehe…

There was an article about the same time last year on the MASN website saying that Pat Corrales had stated that Espinosa was the best player in the Nats system. I remember that it came off as a surprise because nobody had ranked Espinosa as a no.1 prospect on those fancy lists. We knew that he was good but I guess Corrales sure knew what he was talking about.

Also Lannan has allowed total 4 ER in past five starts.(Thanks FS)After what he's been through, including that send-down to the minors, it's nice to see Lannan put together a nice string of starts.Also — you know what's really great? You know that guys like Clip and Store are going to have some bad outings. It's awesome that on a nice where they both gave up a run, that the Nats still were able to win.

DC Wonk, I think you are right on the money: when the Nats (or, any home team) is winning, it makes it easier to decide to head down to the ballpark. Right now, the Nats are 17-12 at home, which is second only to the Phillies in the NL east.

You know during this win streak or since that road trip, every win still amazes me. I mean, WOW what took over these guys to perform this well. It is great to be watching them right now. Another season series victory for Nats (4-2 against STL I believe).

About as old as me, I reckon. I kinda thought he looked like Patton's dog, Willie, but good call. Did I mention the senior special next Thursday? ;-)Oh, and nice to see that good inning from Burnett.Sec3MySofa said… how old do you have to be for Nix to look like Spuds McKenzie to you? June 16, 2011 10:03 PM

DC Wonk- Agreed. Clippard and Storen are outstanding. Can't really complain when they give up a run every now and then.(I still say Clip for the All Star Game).Next up, time to pound the Orioles dreadful pitching.Go Nats!!!

Just got home!! What a game. Did any of you think Riggs was just going to use Burnett for one batter and then bring in Coffey. He had him ready in the bullpen and in my opinion, getting Pujols to pop up was huge. Desmond made two very nice plays in the late innings and I just believe I have my red hat on for another day!! Lots of Card fans who got really excited during the 8th and 9th innings left just a little dejected How sweet it is.In reading over the comments I too am saddened by the switch in General Manager, Manager, Hitting Coach and shortstop. Is there anyone else that the anons can call out? I mean if we win 8 or 9 in a row I am sure they will find something to whine about. Sweep the O's and we are at .500Go Nats!!

Will said… Espinosa leads all rookies in XBHs, HRs, RBIs, OPS and SBs. He also leads all 2B in UZR. Think that makes him a pretty clear cut ROY candidate. June 17, 2011 6:45 AM————————I know Turner from the Mets and Collmenter from Arizona are looking good too and some kid named Wilson Ramos!!!!If Espy gets that Batting Average over .250 which is that line of respectibility then he certainly looks like the ROY. Still over 1/2 a season to go.A shame he had that error because it is him and Brandon Phillips for the Gold Glove at 2nd base.

Gonat said… @ June 16, 2011 5:22 PM http://web.worldbaseballclassic.com/stats/index.jsp?team=cubI found this interesting about Yunesky Maya in the 2009 World Baseball Classic (WBC) when he pitched for Cuba. He only started one game and was a relief pitcher in 2 games.June 16, 2011 5:22 PM He is another player in the Nats system that will most likely end up being a spot starter or may be worth looking at him as a reliever. Me: I was at all the games in San Diego, and Maya didn't impress me (Aroldis Chapman impressed a little more). But the most impressive I saw during that week of games was Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish; he is a #1 in the Majors when he gets over here. Dice-K was on that team and Darvish was way better.